Sammanfattning
Background: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a well-recognized procedure in patients, who are not able to take sufficient food perorally. Method: Follow up of all patients, who in the period between 1st of January 1991 and 31st of December 1997 underwent a PEG course. Only the "Pull-through" method was used. Results: All together 335 courses in 327 patients were registrered. The median age was 65 years (3 months-94 years). The indication was neurological in 65,1% of the courses, oncologic in 30,7% and others in 4,2%. At least one complication was registered in 103 of the courses (30,7%) and major complication in 9 (2,7%). Peritonitis was registered in 2,1% of the courses, malpositioning 0,6%, pneumonia 3,9%, bleeding 0,6%, peristomal infection 9,6%, chronic peristomal pain 0,6%, peristomal leakage 6%, hypergranulation 1,8%, fracture 3,9%, displacement 6,6% and others in 0,9%. One patient died in relation to removal of the PEG tube. There was no difference in the number of complications in relation to charge of the endoscopist, however major complications were seen in the group of registrars only. Median follow-up was 123 days (0-3624). In 9% of the courses the patient died within 30 days. In 31% the PEG tube was removed after restitution, 54% died with a functioning tube, 8% were alive with a functioning tube, in 1% the tube was removed because of a complication and 6% were lost to follow-up. Conclusion: A well established PEG is a good method to ensure sufficient enteral nutrition during a longer period. The procedure might however release a small number of majorcomplications, as well as a considerable number of minor complications. The importance of a well-considered indication must therefore be emphasized.